Tess of the d’Urbervilles · Character
Farmer Groby
A harsh farmer who employs Tess during her time at Flintcomb-Ash farm.
minor
Also known as Groby
First appearance: XLIII
Farmer Groby's tie to Tess Durbeyfield is one of the pressures that moves Tess of the d’Urbervilles—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
The harsh farmer at Flintcomb-Ash who pressures Tess to work harder.
Farmer Groby first appears in 0050 xliii.
With Tess Durbeyfield (professional): Farmer Groby is Tess's harsh and vindictive employer at Flintcomb-Ash, treating her cruelly. With Tess Durbeyfield (professional): Farmer Groby is Tess's harsh and vindictive employer at Flintcomb-Ash, treating her cruelly. With Tess Durbeyfield (professional): Farmer Groby is Tess's harsh and vindictive employer at Flintcomb-Ash, treating her cruelly.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
10 connectionsA slice of how Farmer Groby sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Tess's harsh employers and rivals
- Tess's primary antagonists and lovers
- Protagonist
+5 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Angel Clare’s int…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Tess Durbeyfield
professional · negative
Farmer Groby is Tess's harsh and vindictive employer at Flintcomb-Ash, treating her… How this plays out →
- Tess Durbeyfield
professional · negative
Farmer Groby is Tess's harsh and vindictive employer at Flintcomb-Ash, treating her… How this plays out →
- Tess Durbeyfield
professional · negative
Farmer Groby is Tess's harsh and vindictive employer at Flintcomb-Ash, treating her… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Farmer Groby in XLIIIIn the story
Farmer Groby appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Farmer Groby unlock in the free preview.
See Farmer Groby in XLIII